זֵכֶר צַדִּיק, לִבְרָכָה; וְשֵׁם רְשָׁעִים יִרְקָב

Letter of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to Mr Ariel Sharon

B”H 18th Menachem Av 1970 Brooklyn NY Mr Ariel Sharon, Peace and Blessing.

In accord with our discussions which took place here, it is my opinion that your appropriate position is in the Israel Army; it is there, that with the help of G-d, you have been successful and will continue to be successful. This is in addition to the public benefit for the Jewish People - the Holy Nation, who dwell in Eretz Israel - the Holy Land; G-d has blessed you and made you successful in defending them with your aptitudes, your efforts and your energetic drive, etc. Therefore, as I spoke to you when you were here, it is most certainly that it is your duty to continue this service and role of high responsibility. It is my strong hope that even if the relationship of someone with yourself requires improvement and rectification for some reason; in the final analysis this itself shows your seriousness, sense of responsibility and devotion to your role to the extent that this is your very life. In accord with what we have said, my opinion is self understood that there is no reason G-d Forbid that you should turn to a different post, and absolutely not to the political scene, to neither a ministerial position nor the like. This is not your task. In this field you will not be able to utilise your talent and knowledge, but to the absolute contrary.I have absolutely no shadow of doubt that your mission and success is specifically in the army. Especially now, that you are high ranking and essential for the security situation of the entire country. Of what significance is it that this involves some ill feeling or friction etc, bearing in mind the public benefit and protection of the nation.
All of the above is applicable even in the present situation. However, even though I am not a pessimist whatsoever, one must not hide from the present situation that if, G-d Forbid this continues its natural course, the opposing side (Egypt) is strengthening and fortifying itself on the opposite bank of the Suez Canal. Most certainly, regardless of all diplomatic warnings, the enemy is utilising each day to gain strength, introducing the most effective weaponry, etc...
Certainly the path to this is not by exhibiting signs of weakness and preparedness to compromise and to offer great concessions as is now quoted and publicised in all the newspapers. But to the absolute contrary. As the saying goes, if you really want peace you must show that you are prepared to enter the opposite (war) with all fortitude under conditions favourable to yourselves.
translated from the sefer Karasi Ve'en Oneh, Sichos on Shleimus Haaretz (vol 2 page 450)

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